Supported by the Infosys Foundation which has partial investment in the da Vinci Robotic Surgical System used mainly in prostate, kidney, gynaecological, colorectal, head and neck surgeries, the unit has been set up at the Infosys Institute of Robotic Surgery, Narayana Health City.

"The technique was introduced worldwide over 10 years ago but is yet to take off in India. While high cost is one of the reasons, a major issue is lack of surgical knowledge of robotic techniques. India needs institutional training for future robotic surgeons," said Dr Devi Shetty, chairman, Narayana Health.

Sudha Murty, chairperson, Infosys Foundation said, "The need to adopt and constantly update treatment protocols to reduce errors is crucial in India. This collaboration will enable us to provide impetus for further research and people to benefit from affordable, high-quality treatment.

Robotic surgery is handy while operating on inaccessible areas of the body. Surgeons will only need to make tiny incisions while remotely using the robot's hands to enter the body.

Dr Ashwinikumar Kudari, senior consultant, surgical gastroenterologist, Narayana Health, said, "Robotic surgery reduces a surgeon's operating time in trying to access difficult areas. Moreover, most of these procedures are physically exhausting as they require surgeons to stand for over 8-10 hours. Now, they can sit and perform the procedure. Patients also gain from faster recovery time and shorter hospital stays."